Day Trip: Cardiff Castle

The Castle is situated in Cardiff's City centre with its Roman gateway overlooking the picturesque Bute Park. The Castle is rather unique in that it offers the visitor an interesting glimpse into over 2000 years worth of history as each separate building within the castle grounds was constructed in a different time period. The outer wall of the castle was originally Roman and the Roman remains can still be seen (they are highlighted with red brick - seen below) underneath the newly build brick wall that now surrounds the grounds. The keep is Norman, the main apartment is 14th century and the neo-gothic tower and banqueting hall are 19th century. The castle came under the ownership of many noblemen and each left their distinct mark upon the castle and its grounds. The Fifth Marquess of Bute handed over the keys to the Castle and its parkland to the people of Cardiff in 1947 where it finally became open to the public. 

As a student at Cardiff University, and therefore a resident of the City of Cardiff, I was entitled to a 'key to the castle' upon my arrival. The key allows those who live or work in Cardiff access to the castle free of charge as well as offering 10% discount in the castle shop and cafe and 10% discount on entry for friends/relatives. I visited the castle with my flatmate in the summer and we had a fabulous experience. The staff were all friendly and helpful and willing to answer any questions you may have about the castle and its grounds. It is particularly lovely in the summer sunshine as the green grass of the courtyard is wonderful for picnics, lounging around in the sun and watching the castle's resident peacocks. 

Myself and Olly opted for the audio guides and ambled around the grounds taking in the sights and listening to the historical facts that Huw Edwards was giving us through our headsets. I personally love audio guides as I think they're a nice relaxed way to have a mosey around whilst also learning something about the place. The audio guide lead us around the grounds, up the Norman keep, around the outer wall, through the Roman gate and into the World War Two bunker. We were fortunate enough to visit whilst there was a World War Two exhibition on in the bunker which was extremely interesting to look around. We had such fun discovering the castle together and we even managed to find a door which is build for people of my own height: modern-day dwarves in other words as I'm only a meagre 5ft2 :( 

After completing the audio guided tour we decided to join a formal tour (which was free courtesy of our key to the castle) as you cannot see the interior of the castle without being accompanied by a guide. I would thoroughly recommend this as the inside of the castle is incredibly flamboyant and extravagant - shockingly so if I'm honest. The interior design is indicative of the wealth of the Bute family and I found it strangely similar to the ornate and ostentatious nature of Antoni Gaudi's Casa Batllo. Each room is glamorously furnished and no part is in any way boring or plain. I particularly loved the staircase which had a marble Lion at its base and the ceiling detail in the Arab Room which is positively mind blowing in its elaborate detailing.

The only down side that I found to my castle experience was that the staff are incredibly strict and you cannot touch anything! I completely understand that they have to protect the building but I find not being able to sit on a chair or touch a book slightly over-the-top. I'm definitely one for the hands-on approach that the National Trust have been implementing in its many properties over the strict policies implemented in Cardiff Castle. Despite this, however, I had a fantastic experience and would definitely recommend a visit. The castle would make a better trip in good weather as you can take full advantage of the wonderful outdoor scenery and of the grass courtyard (which is the perfect adventure ground for young children). All in all I thoroughly enjoyed my day trip to Cardiff Castle and would definitely return to show family and friends the sights. It's a fabulous tourist destination and is definitely up there in my top 10 things to see in Wales. For more information about the castle, its opening times and upcoming events click here.

Have you been to Cardiff Castle before? What were your experiences?

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

I first went to watch The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug as a pre-Christmas treat with my Dad, but was prompted to write a review after re-watching it with my housemates last week during our weekly nachos and film night. It is the sequel to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and follows Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and their company on a quest to reclaim their homeland, Erebor, from the clutches of the dragon, Smaug. They come across many obstacles on their journey: the deceitful paths and bloodthirsty spiders of Mirkwood Forest, the treacherous rapids of the river to Lake Town, the nefarious master of Lake Town (Stephen Fry) whom they must escape in order to reach the Lonely Mountain, and a pack of Goblins and Orcs who are in  their pursuit. In addition to these perils, the company have also lost their guide, Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), who is inquiring into the mystery of Dol Guldur and the Necromancer. The posse of Dwarves and their trusty burglar must reach the door to the Lonely Mountain by the last light of Durin's day in order to discover the keyhole, thus allowing them to confront Smaug. 

The film itself is incredibly well made, as is expected from a Peter Jackson film, and the special effects are second to none - I especially loved the depictions of the halls of the Woodland Realm and Smaug himself is a triumph of CGI. The plot unfolds at a quicker pace than the first instalment of the trilogy, which I was glad of as An Unexpected Journey did fail to hold my attention during it's long winded passages of dialogue and moody stares. The fast-paced narrative builds excitement and tension as the company struggle to reach the Lonely Mountain before the last light of Durin's Day. The film is undoubtedly a cheerful adventure tale and enjoyable viewing for all the family - depending of course on whether or not you have an uncontrollable fear of spiders. 

We're introduced to many important new characters within the narrative - Bard, Beorn, Tauriel, Legolas, Thranduil and Smaug to name a few - and I found each character to be well-cast and convincing. Bard the Bowman (Luke Evans), the finest hunter in Lake Town and descendant of Girion the last Lord of Lake Town, is set to become a key figure in the story, a hero in the waiting. Beorn (Mikael Persbrandt), a shapeshifter, who provides shelter and protection to Thorin and his company. Beorn can transform into a great black bear and is a tall, muscular man with thick facial hair in human form. Tauriel (Evangeline Lily) is a kick-ass female elf of the Woodland Realm. She is captain of the Mirkwood Elven Guard and aids the dwarves' quest by protecting them from Goblins and saving the life of Kili when he is injured by an arrow. Legolas (Orlando Bloom) is a character that is familiar to us from The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. He is the Prince of the Woodland Realm who has affectionate feelings for Tauriel, and even though he despises dwarves, protects them for her sake. Thranduil (Lee Pace) is the Elvenking, Legolas' father, who holds the dwarf company captive in his dungeons - Pace's portrayal of the cold, dagger-eyed King is second to none. Of course, I have to mention Benedict Cumberbatch's epic portrayal of Smaug, the honey-voiced, cunning dragon who has occupied Erebor. Smaug's voice is powerful and commanding and his personality Machiavellian, he is undeniably evil and calculating in every possible way.

I first read The Hobbit when I was young and decided to re-read it last year when the first instalment of the trilogy was about to be released. Even from a young age I was captivated by Tolkien's writing and his portrayal of his invented world, Middle Earth. The magic and mystery of his imaginative writing hooked me, and so I have read a wide selection of his works. However, as an avid Tolkien reader, I couldn't help but notice the many times in which The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug strayed from Tolkien's original storyline. These variations from Tolkien's original plot vary from small alterations  (such as Kili being shot in the leg by a Goblin) to ones that have had some Tolkien fans in uproar (such as the fabrication of Tauriel's character which was argued to have been created to bring female energy into a male-dominated narrative). Another example that I noticed was that when the dwarves escape from the Elvenking's dungeons they do so in open barrels and fight Goblins and Orcs on their dangerous trip down river. In the book, these barrels are sealed and the dwarf company is only released when Bilbo deems it safe. Of course, creative licence must be given to the screenplay writers of the trilogy as a scene with the dwarves fighting for their survival against raging rapids and the onslaught of enemies certainly holds more dramatic effect than thirteen barrels floating down a river. The presence of Legolas, however, is not as easily forgiven as he is not present in The Hobbit at all. In fact, the first time Legolas meets Bilbo is in The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring at the council of Elrond in Rivendell. Another stark difference that I noticed is that in the book the dwarves do not face Smaug at all, only Bilbo does. In the film, however, the dwarves are depicted devising an elaborate plan to trick Smaug into relighting the furnaces in order to trap him in molten metal. 

I'm not entirely sure if it's just my pedantic nature but I found myself being particularly annoyed by Legolas' miraculous change of eye colour from hazel (in The Lord Of The Rings) to a sky blue. Did anyone else notice this? 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and would recommend it. The cast are fantastic and I felt that each actor brought their own flare to their character, especially Martin Freeman who I cannot praise enough for his portrayal of the quick-witted and caring Bilbo Baggins. I enjoyed the narrative but was slightly put off by the changes from the original storyline, however, I have been assured by those of my friends who have not read the book that they were thoroughly pleased with the plot of the film and found it to be enthralling. I myself found the ending rather anti-climatic, however those of you who have not read the book, would I'm sure, find it to be a provocative cliff hanger. It is definitely a step up from its predecessor as there is far more content and excitement within its narrative. In conclusion, the film definitely sweeps you away into the fantasy world that is Middle Earth. This epic fantasy-adventure movie is a must watch and is a perfect form of escape from the trivialities of everyday life. Overall, I would rate The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug with 4.5 stars.

What are your opinions on the film? 

How do you rate it?

Did you notice any differences between J.R.R Tolkien's The Hobbit and this Peter Jackson creation?

My Favourite Place

Ever since I was a little girl my parents have taken me and my brother camping in Bosherston for a few weeks each summer. Of course, this was always subject to the welsh weather (which we all know can be appalling), but even if we could't camp we've always visited each year without fail. What began as a small family tradition eventually snowballed into a summer holiday for us and our close family friends. Many a happy memory has been made in the small village in Pembrokeshire and it's hard for anyone to say that it isn't a breathtakingly beautiful place. 

The beach is a 10 minute walk from the village and can be accessed either through the stunning Lily Ponds or over the cliff top from the campsites. Broadhaven beach has glorious white sand and a fresh water spring which runs along its side, and at high tide, runs into the sea. The sand dunes have often hosted myself and my rabble of friends' multiple games of hide and seek and our dune surfing competitions. On the left hand side of the sandy beach is a large rock stack from which me and my friends were often found jumping off into the sea (much to our mothers' disapproval). In the summer, the sea is wonderfully refreshing, yet you must always be careful of the cross-current that can easily pull you across the beach without your knowledge. Broadhaven is also a wonderful place for a crisp winter walk: its wonderful scenery coupled with a cold breeze and enough space for the dog to run happily fits the criteria of a perfect winter's day. Click here for further information about Broadhaven.

The Lily Ponds that lie between Bosherston and Broadhaven beach are run by the National Trust and are absolutely teeming with wildlife. The walk around the Lily Ponds is relatively short and the terrain is not difficult making it the perfect place for young families and elderly people. The wild birds found at the ponds are very confident around humans, and if you take some bird seed with you and hold it out to them they will land in the palm of your hand to eat the seed. The ponds themselves are full of different types of fish, eels and insects, and is home to a majestic family of swans who can usually be found by the stone bridge half-way through the walk. There have been many occasions on which we've spied Herons, and when I was younger, Billy Goats could be found roaming wild along the cliffside. The ponds are particularly beautiful in the spring when the Lily's are in full bloom!

More information about the Lily Ponds can be found on the National Trust website.

 

No trip to the beautiful little village of Bosherston would be complete without a trip to the Ye Olde Worlde Cafe which has stood in the same place, practically untouched, for decades. Mrs Weston, also known as Auntie Vie, runs the cafe which she inherited from her mother. She's has worked at the cafe since she was a young girl and was recently awarded an MBE for her services to tourism. The cafe is quaint and fits into its surroundings perfectly. The menu is limited, but the character of the building more than makes up for a lack of choice. The scones with jam and cream are out of this world, as are the other cakes available. It became a great Towler family tradition for us to get on our bikes each morning to the cafe to chomp down on a breakfast of poached eggs on toast before getting on with the days activities. One thing I must note here, although it does give me great pleasure to watch tourists make this mistake, the tea in the tea pots served here is loose tea leaves not tea bags so make sure to use the tea strainer or you'll end up with one rather horrible cup of tea! There is also a small shop at the side of the cafe that can be opened if you ask politely. There's a wide range of sweets, ice creams and beach toys to be purchased - I have to admit, I wasted my 50p a week pocket money here on a regular basis!

Bosherston is a fantastic destination for those of all ages as there truly is something for everyone. It's a tranquil place where adults can enjoy a relaxing walk and take in the beautiful scenery, yet is an adventure ground for imaginative children. I will admit there is no signal at Bosherston, so probably not the best place for stroppy 14 year olds who can't be apart from their Twitter feed for longer than half an hour, but even so it is and always has been my favourite place in the world!

Do you have a special place where most of your childhood memories were formed?